He is known for his flamboyant sense of style and penchant for make-up.

But as Boy George strolled through Temple Bar in London he was barely recognisable under the layer of pounds he has gained in recent times.

Coy George: The singer hid under loose clothes and sunglasses having piled on the pounds

Bloated and unhealthy, the 1980s popstar was difficult to see behind aviator sunglasses.

And it seems the eclectic selection of colourful ensembles that formed his image as a pop icon are a thing of the past.

With his growing gut, he was wearing a loose black suit jacket, black tracksuit trousers and a black t-shirt.

Carrying what appears to be a packet of cigarettes, he appears to have no plans to change his ways.

Can I have some more please? George peers into a restaurant

The singer, whose real name is George O'Dowd, has been having problems getting an American visa recently and had to cancel his summer tour of the States.

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Almost unrecognisable: Boy George when he was a 1980's pop icon

Perhaps he has turned to food for comfort.

The 47-year-old is currently in a legal wrangle after allegedly holding someone against their will in his home.

The portly star who shot to fame as the frontman of Culture Club claims he is most upset about the wasted money fans have spent on tickets and flights to see him perform.

He is reportedly now considering organising a charity concert in the US for 2009 to repay his fans.

In an online chat with celebrity blogger Perez Hilton he said: 'There's fans that have spent thousands of pounds (dollars) on tickets and that's really sad.

'There's a couple of fans who have spent, like, $10,000 and they're not gonna get it back. We'll have to do something to help them; we'll have a charity night or something.'